About ACP

History

The American College of Physicians (ACP) is a national organization of internists – specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. The ACP mission is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine. ACP was founded in 1915 to promote the science and practice of medicine, and
since 1915has supported internists in their quest for excellence. By sharing the most updated medical knowledge, offering top-notch educational resources, and a wide array of additional benefits, ACP has shown a commitment to internal medicine and those who practice it.

Much has transpired in internal medicine and in healthcare over the last 100 years. ACP has changed as well and stands proudly as the largest medical specialty organization in the United States and a major voice in American health care. ACP’s membership of 141,000 includes internists, internal medicine subspecialists, medical students, residents, and fellows, and a growing international presence. As ACP celebrates its centennial, the first 100 years of the College provide an inspiration for us all as ACP applies the rigorous scientific standards of internal medicine as the foundation for meeting the challenges ahead and for best serving our physicians and their patients.

IMpact: I.M. Family Centennial Profile Series
In honor of ACP's Centennial, stories of multi-generational Internists will be featured throughout 2015 to showcase how a tradition of caring, a passion for medicine, and a desire for an intellectually stimulating career are passed from one generation to the next Look for I.M. Family features throughout the year.

Social Media

Throughout the year, ACP will post significant facts, images, and anecdotes in College history to social media. The hashtag for ACP's centennial celebration is #ACP100Yrs. Follow ACP on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for news and information about ACP and ACP’s Centennial.

ACP Internist
Throughout 2015, ACP Internist will feature a series of articles that provide a snapshot of ACP's history over the years. Each issue will cover a different decade of College events, beginning with 1915 to 1924 in the January issue and ending with 2005 to the present day in December.

Annals of Internal Medicine
In recognition of the centennial year of the American College of Physicians, the Annals of Internal Medicine will re-publish a series of historical articles that relate to new articles on the same diseases or clinical questions that were addressed in the original papers. Annals hopes readers find this of interest and welcome responses, especially from those who were practicing at the time of publication of the original paper who might offer insights as to the impact of the earlier paper on their knowledge or practice.

Centennial Events at the Internal Medicine Meeting 2015
The Internal Medicine Meeting 2015 in Boston will feature an art exhibit and several history-focused sessions, including Defining Internal Medicine: The History of ACP, History of Politics in American Medicine. A specially designed, large scale timeline of ACP history will be featured (which will be displayed in the Philadelphia office following the meeting), along with a presentation highlighting historical facts of note from each chapter/region. A life-sized representation of Sir William Osler, the "father of internal medicine," will also be hand for meeting attendees to snap a 'selfie' with, and a Centennial-themed video will kick off the Opening Ceremony.

Centennial History Book - To Serve Our Patients and Profession: A Centennial History of the American College of Physicians (1915-2015)

A commemorative book on the history of the College will be published, edited by EVP/CEO Emeritus John Tooker, MD, MACP and President Emeritus of ACP, David Dale, MD, MACP, and with contributions from many past officers, leaders and staff.

Past Leaders

Read lists of past ACP Presidents, ASIM Presidents, Chairs of the Board of Regents and more.